By InfoBliq 
Alex “Poatan” Pereira is one of the most devastating strikers in MMA history, with a professional record of 12-3-0 and an incredible 83% finish rate. The Brazilian mixed martial artist transitioned from being a two-division Glory Kickboxing champion to becoming a two-division UFC champion, holding both the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight titles during his UFC career.
In March 2025 at UFC 313, Pereira lost his UFC Light Heavyweight Championship to Magomed Ankalaev via unanimous decision, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Despite this setback, Pereira remains one of the most feared knockout artists in the UFC.
Alex Pereira’s Overall MMA Record (2025)
Alex Pereira’s professional MMA record stands at 12-3-0 as of 2025, representing one of the most impressive finishing rates in modern mixed martial arts. His career progression from regional Brazilian fighter to two-division UFC champion demonstrates exceptional skill development and championship-level performance consistency.
Complete MMA Statistics Breakdown
| Record Category | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Total Professional Fights | 15 | 100% |
| Wins | 12 | 80% |
| Losses | 3 | 20% |
| No Contests | 0 | 0% |
| Finish Rate | 10/12 | 83.3% |
Methods of Victory Analysis
| Method | Count | % of Wins |
|---|---|---|
| KO/TKO | 10 | 83.3% |
| Submission | 0 | 0% |
| Decision | 2 | 16.7% |
Pereira’s 83.3% finishing rate demonstrates his exceptional knockout power and ability to end fights decisively. His reliance on striking finishes reflects his world-class kickboxing background and devastating left hook that has become legendary in combat sports.
The absence of submission victories highlights his striking-focused approach, while his limited decision wins show his preference for seeking finishes rather than relying on point fighting. This aggressive style has made him one of the most exciting and fan-friendly fighters in the UFC.
Career Progression Timeline
Early MMA Career (2015-2021): Pereira began his MMA career in 2015 at Jungle Fight 82, transitioning from his successful Glory Kickboxing career to mixed martial arts competition. His early regional fights allowed him to develop the well-rounded skills necessary for UFC competition.
UFC Debut Period (2021-2022): His arrival in the UFC showcased immediate championship potential, with his striking background translating perfectly to mixed martial arts competition against elite-level opponents.
Championship Era (2022-2025): Capturing both UFC middleweight and light heavyweight titles established Pereira among the elite fighters in MMA history, with his recent losses adding complexity to his legacy while maintaining his status as one of the sport’s most dangerous competitors.
UFC Record (Updated 2025)
Pereira’s UFC record stands at 9–2–0, including wins over former champions like Israel Adesanya, Jan Błachowicz, and Jiří Procházka. His knockout power and striking precision make him one of the most dangerous fighters in the promotion.
Complete UFC Fight History
| Date | Event | Opponent | Result | Method | Round | Division |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 8, 2025 | UFC 313 | Magomed Ankalaev | Loss | Decision (UD) | 5 | Light Heavyweight |
| Nov 11, 2023 | UFC 295 | Jiří Procházka | Win | TKO | 2 | Light Heavyweight |
| Jul 29, 2023 | UFC 291 | Jan Błachowicz | Win | Decision (SD) | 3 | Light Heavyweight |
| Apr 8, 2023 | UFC 287 | Israel Adesanya | Loss | KO | 2 | Middleweight |
| Nov 12, 2022 | UFC 281 | Israel Adesanya | Win | TKO | 5 | Middleweight |
| Jul 2, 2022 | UFC 276 | Sean Strickland | Win | KO | 1 | Middleweight |
| Mar 12, 2022 | UFC FN 204 | Bruno Silva | Win | Decision (UD) | 3 | Middleweight |
| Nov 6, 2021 | UFC 268 | Andreas Michailidis | Win | TKO | 2 | Middleweight |
UFC Performance Statistics
| UFC Stat Category | Numbers | Division Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Significant Strikes Landed per Minute | 5.12 | Top 5 Light Heavyweight |
| Significant Strike Accuracy | 63.1% | 4th All-Time |
| Knockdowns per 15 Minutes | 1.44 | 6th All-Time LHW |
| Average Fight Time | 8:42 | Frequent Finisher |
| Light Heavyweight Title Wins | 4 | Tied 3rd All-Time |
These UFC stats demonstrate Pereira’s exceptional striking ability and finishing power. His 63.1% significant strike accuracy ranks 4th all-time in UFC history, showcasing his precision and technical excellence rather than volume-based approach.
Alex Pereira’s MMA Stats
Pereira’s fighting statistics reveal a striker-heavy approach with exceptional accuracy and knockout power. His technical metrics demonstrate world-class striking ability adapted successfully to mixed martial arts competition.
Striking Statistics Analysis
Significant Striking Metrics:
- Strikes Landed per Minute: 5.12 (well above division average)
- Striking Accuracy: 63.1% (historically elite level)
- Knockdowns Averaged: 1.44 per 15 minutes
- Head Strike Accuracy: 58% (exceptional precision)
- Body Strike Utilization: Strategic targeting for setups
His striking stats reflect his Glory Kickboxing championship background, with precision and power taking precedence over volume. This approach has proven highly effective against elite-level UFC competition.
Defensive Statistics
Defensive Metrics:
- Strikes Absorbed per Minute: 3.42 (moderate absorption rate)
- Striking Defense: 54% (solid defensive awareness)
- Takedown Defense: 71% (adequate grappling defense)
- Significant Strike Defense: Improving throughout UFC career
While primarily offense-focused, Pereira’s defensive stats show continuous improvement throughout his UFC career, particularly in takedown defense and cage awareness necessary for championship-level competition.
Grappling & Ground Game Stats
Ground Game Metrics:
- Takedown Accuracy: Limited attempts, focus on striking
- Submission Attempts: 0 (purely striking-focused approach)
- Ground Control Time: Minimal, prefers stand-up exchanges
- Scramble Success: Good recovery when taken down
His grappling stats reflect his striking-specialized approach, though he has shown improvement in defensive wrestling and cage positioning throughout his UFC career.
Comparison: Middleweight vs Light Heavyweight Performance
| Division | Record | Finish Rate | Avg Fight Time | Knockouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middleweight | 3-1 | 75% | 9:15 | 3 |
| Light Heavyweight | 6-1 | 85.7% | 8:30 | 5 |
The statistical comparison shows Pereira’s improved performance at light heavyweight, with higher finish rates and faster knockout times. His natural size advantage at 205 pounds has translated to even more devastating knockout power.
Biggest Career Highlights
- Former UFC Middleweight Champion (def. Israel Adesanya, UFC 281).
- Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion (def. Jiří Procházka, UFC 295).
- Defeated multiple former champions in two divisions.
- 83.3% knockout rate — one of the highest among elite UFC fighters.
- Glory Kickboxing two-division champion before entering MMA.
Two-Division UFC Champion Achievement
Alex Pereira joined an elite group of fighters by winning UFC titles in both the middleweight (def. Israel Adesanya, UFC 281) and light heavyweight (def. Jiří Procházka, UFC 295) divisions. His rare achievement demonstrates championship-level skills across weight classes and cements him among UFC’s most elite fighters.
Rivalry with Israel Adesanya
The Adesanya rivalry represents one of the most compelling storylines in recent UFC history, spanning both kickboxing and MMA competition. Their UFC encounters at UFC 281 and UFC 287 produced two of the most watched and analyzed fights in recent memory.
UFC 281 Victory: Pereira’s knockout victory over Israel Adesanya for the UFC middleweight championship represented the culmination of their long-standing rivalry. The fifth-round TKO finish demonstrated his championship-level heart and finishing ability under pressure.
UFC 287 Rematch Loss: The rematch at UFC 287 on April 8, 2023, saw Adesanya even their UFC series at 1-1 with a second-round knockout. This loss demonstrated Pereira’s vulnerability to sustained pressure and adjustment by elite opponents.
Glory Kickboxing Legacy
His two-division champion status in Glory Kickboxing provided the foundation for his MMA success, establishing his credentials as one of the world’s best strikers before ever entering the octagon.
The transition from Glory middleweight and light heavyweight champion to UFC champion represents one of the most successful crossover achievements in combat sports history.
UFC 300 Historic Performance
His knockout victory over Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 in the first round showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stages. UFC 300 was marketed as one of the most significant events in UFC history, and Pereira’s first-round knockout provided one of the card’s most memorable moments.
UFC 303 Replacement Fight Success
Taking the UFC 303 main event on short notice against Jiří Procházka in a rematch demonstrated his championship-level conditioning and preparation. His second-round TKO victory earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus and an additional $303,000 bonus for his short-notice performance. You can check the full detailed earnings of Alex Pereira in our complete breakdown article
Alex Pereira’s MMA Losses
Pereira’s three professional MMA losses provide insight into the challenges he has faced and the adjustments made throughout his career. Each defeat has contributed to his development as a more complete mixed martial artist.
Loss #1: Early Career Regional Competition
His first professional MMA loss came during his early regional career before joining the UFC. This early setback provided valuable learning experience about the differences between kickboxing and mixed martial arts competition.
Loss #2: Israel Adesanya (UFC 287)
The rematch loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 287 represented a significant setback in his middleweight championship reign. Adesanya’s second-round knockout demonstrated successful adjustments and the ability of elite opponents to solve Pereira’s striking approach.
What Went Wrong: Adesanya’s improved pressure and boxing combinations overwhelmed Pereira’s usual counter-striking approach. The loss highlighted the importance of continuous evolution and adaptation at championship levels.
Lessons Learned: This defeat motivated Pereira’s move to light heavyweight, where his size and power advantages would be more pronounced. The experience also improved his defensive awareness and cage positioning.
Loss #3: Magomed Ankalaev (UFC 313)
Pereira’s most recent loss came via unanimous decision to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025, ending his light heavyweight championship reign. The judges scored the fight 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47 in favor of Ankalaev.
Fight Analysis: Ankalaev fought a tactical, measured bout to unseat Pereira, who struggled to generate opportunities to unleash his signature left hook against the Dagestani wrestler’s pressure and grappling threats.
Statistical Breakdown: The round-by-round striking stats revealed that Ankalaev narrowly edged the striking battle while controlling the grappling exchanges. Pereira’s usual striking dominance was neutralized by Ankalaev’s superior wrestling and cage control.
Impact on Legacy: While disappointing, this loss doesn’t diminish Pereira’s achievements as a former two-division champion. The competitive nature of the fight suggests he remains elite-level competition for any light heavyweight contender.
Alex Pereira’s Rankings & Legacy (2025)
Following his title loss at UFC 313, Alex Pereira remains one of the most recognizable and respected fighters in the UFC light heavyweight division. His legacy as a former two-division champion and Glory Kickboxing legend secures his place among the greatest strikers in combat sports history.
Current UFC Rankings (2025)
Light Heavyweight Division Ranking: #1 Contender (following title loss) Pound-for-Pound Status: Not currently ranked following title loss Historical Significance: Former two-division champion with 4 light heavyweight title wins
Despite losing his championship, Pereira’s established drawing power and championship credentials ensure continued high-profile fight opportunities. His immediate rematch with Ankalaev at UFC 320 demonstrates the UFC’s confidence in his continued star power and competitive relevance.
Legacy Among Brazilian UFC Fighters
Pereira stands among the greatest Brazilian UFC champions, joining legends like Anderson Silva, José Aldo, and Lyoto Machida in the pantheon of Brazilian mixed martial arts excellence. His unique journey from Glory champion to two-division UFC champion represents a distinct path to MMA greatness.
His influence extends beyond just championship achievements, as his striking style and finishing ability have inspired a new generation of Brazilian fighters to pursue combat sports careers with confidence in their technical striking abilities.
Combat Sports Historical Context
As one of the few fighters to achieve championship success in both elite kickboxing (Glory) and mixed martial arts (UFC), Pereira occupies a unique position in combat sports history. His crossover success demonstrates the highest level of striking translation between different combat sports disciplines.
Future Prospects & Rematch Opportunity
His scheduled rematch with Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 represents his immediate opportunity to reclaim championship status and continue his legacy as one of the most dangerous light heavyweight contenders in UFC history.
At 38 years old in 2025, Pereira’s championship window may be limited, but his power and technical skills suggest he remains capable of competing at the highest levels for several more years.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Alex Pereira’s MMA record in 2025?
Alex Pereira’s professional MMA record in 2025 is 12-3-0, with 10 victories coming by knockout/TKO and 2 by decision. His three losses came via knockout, decision, and submission during different phases of his career.
2. How many UFC fights has Pereira won?
Alex Pereira has won 9 UFC fights out of 11 total UFC bouts, giving him a UFC record of 9-2-0. His UFC victories include championship wins in both middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.
3. Has Pereira fought in two divisions?
Yes, Alex Pereira has competed successfully in both UFC middleweight (185 lbs) and light heavyweight (205 lbs) divisions. He captured championships in both weight classes, making him a former two-division UFC champion.
4. What is Pereira’s fighting style?
Pereira’s fighting style is rooted in elite-level kickboxing and striking, featuring devastating knockout power, technical precision, and aggressive finishing instincts. His style emphasizes counter-striking and explosive combinations rather than grappling or wrestling.
5. Who has Pereira lost to in MMA?
Alex Pereira has suffered three professional MMA losses: one during his early regional career, a knockout loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 287, and a unanimous decision loss to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313.
6. What are Pereira’s most significant UFC achievements?
Pereira’s major UFC achievements include winning both the middleweight and light heavyweight championships, defeating Israel Adesanya to capture his first UFC title, and successfully defending his light heavyweight title multiple times before losing to Ankalaev.
7. How accurate is Pereira’s striking?
Alex Pereira has exceptional striking accuracy at 63.1%, which ranks 4th all-time in UFC history. This precision, combined with his knockout power, makes him one of the most feared strikers in the sport.
8. What happened in the Ankalaev fight at UFC 313?
Alex Pereira lost his UFC Light Heavyweight Championship to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025, via unanimous decision. All three judges scored the fight for Ankalaev (49-46, 48-47, 48-47).
9. Is Alex Pereira scheduled to fight again?
Yes, Alex Pereira fought Magomed Ankalaev in a championship rematch at UFC 320 on October 4, 2025, seeking to reclaim the light heavyweight title he lost at UFC 313.
10. What makes Pereira’s career unique?
Pereira’s career is unique because he achieved championship success in both Glory Kickboxing (as a two-division champion) and the UFC (as a former two-division champion), demonstrating the highest level of striking translation between combat sports disciplines.
11. How old is Alex Pereira and how much longer can he compete?
Alex Pereira is 38 years old as of 2025. While considered older for mixed martial arts, his technical striking style and limited damage absorption suggest he could remain competitive at elite levels for several more years.
12. What is Pereira’s knockout percentage?
Alex Pereira has a knockout rate of 83.3% in his MMA career (10 KO/TKO victories out of 12 total wins), demonstrating exceptional finishing power and one of the highest knockout percentages among elite UFC fighters.